While the NBA world gave flowers to Derrick Rose on his retirement, the former MVP rushed to deliver roses to selected people. It was indeed a shocking update that left the hoops nation in a grim mood. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the 35-year-old guard. In fact, Rose took it as an opportunity to pay his gratitude back to the people who stood by him during his ups and downs. ESPN’s Mallika Andrews revealed Phil Jackson as one of the recipients. Let’s find out who else has received the honor.

Rose had one of the toughest careers in the NBA. The 2008 No.1 pick went on to win the ROYT award and became the youngest MVP award winner at the age of 22, playing for the Chicago Bulls. When everyone thought that the star’s career would take off into a legendary one, he sustained an ACL tear the next year, followed by a series of lower leg injuries. Rose’s career changed from a young superstar to a veteran bench player. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop him from stepping onto the court.

And after a 16-season-long career, Derrick Rose finally hung his boots. Speaking of his decision, he said, “Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision… Now, it’s important that I give my all to my family—they deserve that.” The star guard didn’t stop that. He sent out gratitude in the form of roses. In the words of Andrews, “He’s actually mailing out 16 roses to folks like Phil Jackson, his four best friends, his trainers that helped him through the ups and downs.” 

While there isn’t clarity on the other recipients, Rose’s former teammate Jeff Teague revealed himself. He shared the picture of roses on his IG story and wrote, “Congrats on a great career bro appreciate you.” Now that we look forward to finding other recipients, let’s find out more about the 16 roses.

What did Derrick Rose send along with the 16 roses?

Rose and Teague played together for two seasons in the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise. It was the period during which D-Rose showed his most vulnerable side. The veteran dropped his career-best 50 points against the Utah Jazz and left everyone emotional with his tear-filled post-game interview.

But, before achieving that feat, Rose went through a tough time in Minnesota. During the 2017-18 season, Rose barely played, struggling with ankle injuries and consistency issues. While everyone thought it was the end of Rose’s career, he came back with flying colors in the following season, playing 51 games and scoring at an average of 18.0 ppg. Jeff Teague watched this all from close quarters.

Rose, in response to Teague’s support, sent him an emotional note along with the roses. The note read, “My story was never just about me, it is about us. Thank you for being part of the journey. I am forever grateful. See you in the next chapter. Derrick Rose.” Notably, Draymond Green, reacting to Rose’s IG post, wrote, “Can’t wait to see what u got next.” So, Rose had mentioned the ‘Next chapter’ of his life in the note. Looking at it, we have a question: did Green also receive 16 roses?  Who do you think received the roses? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.